Systems, methods, and devices for simulating real world terrain on an exercise device

ABSTRACT

An exercise system includes one or more exercise devices that communicate via a network with a communication system. The communication system stores and/or generates exercise programming for use on the exercise device. The exercise programming is able to control one or more operating parameters of the exercise device to simulate terrain found at a remote, real world location. The exercise programming can include images/videos of the remote, real world location. The control signals and the images/videos can be synchronized so that a user of the exercise device is able to experience, via the changing operating parameters, the topographical characteristics of the remote, real world location as well as see images of the location.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/849,068, entitled “Exercise Device with On Board PersonalTrainer,” filed Aug. 31, 2007, now abandoned published as U.S. PatentPublication No. 2008-0051256, which is incorporated herein in itsentirety by reference, and which claims priority to and the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 60/918,250, entitled “Exercise Devicewith On Board Personal Trainer,” filed Mar. 14, 2007, which is herebyincorporated herein by reference in its entirety. U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/849,068 is also a continuation-in-part of eachof: (1) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/916,687, entitled“Repetition Sensor in Exercise Equipment,” filed Aug. 11, 2004, now U.S.Pat. No. 7,628,737 published as U.S. Patent Publication No.2006-0035768, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety, and (2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/315,682, entitled“Methods and Systems for Controlling an Exercise Apparatus Using aPortable Data Storage Device,” filed Dec. 21, 2005, published as U.S.Patent Publication No. 2007-0265138, which is hereby incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety. U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/315,682 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/856,676, entitled “Methods and Systems for Controlling an ExerciseApparatus Using a USB Compatible Portable Remote Device,” filed May 28,2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,628,730 which is hereby incorporated herein byreference in its entirety and which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/776,410, entitled “Methods and Systemsfor Controlling an Exercise Apparatus using a Portable Remote Device,”filed on Feb. 2, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,997,852, which is herebyincorporated herein by reference in its entirety. U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/776,410 is a continuation-in-part of each of:(a) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/641,220, entitled “Systems andMethods for Interaction with Exercise Device,” filed on Aug. 18, 2000,now U.S. Pat. No. 6,458,060, which is hereby incorporated herein byreference in its entirety; (b) U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/641,600, entitled “Computer Systems and Methods for Interaction withExercise Device,” filed Aug. 18, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,060,006,which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; and(c) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/641,627, entitled “System forinteraction with Exercise Device,” filed Aug. 18, 2000, now U.S. Pat.No. 7,166,062, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety. Each of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/641,220, filed onAug. 18, 2000, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/641,600, filed Aug.18, 2000, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/641,627, filed Aug.18, 2000, is a continuation-in-part of each of: (1) U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/496,560, entitled “System and Method forSelective Adjustment of Exercise Apparatus,” filed on Feb. 2, 2000, nowU.S. Pat. No. 6,447,424, which is hereby incorporated herein byreference in its entirety, and (2) U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/349,608, entitled “Systems and Methods for Providing an ImprovedExercise Device with Motivational Programming,” filed on Jul. 8, 1999,now U.S. Pat. No. 6,312,363, which is hereby incorporated herein byreference in its entirety. This application is also acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/429,725,entitled “Systems and Methods for Enabling Two-Way Communication BetweenOne or More Exercise Devices and Computer Devices and for Enabling Usersof the One or More Exercise Devices to Competitively Exercise,” filedMay 8, 2006, published as U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006-0205569,which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety andwhich is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/947,193,entitled “Systems and Methods for Enabling Two-Way Communication BetweenOne or More Exercise Devices and Computer Devices and for Enabling Usersof the One or More Exercise Devices to Competitively Exercise,” filedSep. 5, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,166,064, which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety. U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/947,193 is a continuation-in-part of each of: (a) U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/641,600, entitled “Computer Systems and Methodsfor Interaction with Exercise Device,” filed Aug. 18, 2000, now U.S.Pat. No. 7,060,006, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference inits entirety; (b) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/641,220, filedAug. 18, 2000, entitled “Systems and Methods for Interaction withExercise Device,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference inits entirety; and (c) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/641,627, filedAug. 18, 2000, entitled “System for Interaction with Exercise Device,”which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Eachof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/641,600, filed on Aug. 18, 2000,U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/641,220, filed Aug. 18, 2000, andU.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/641,627, filed Aug. 18, 2000, is acontinuation-in-part of each of: (i) U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/496,560, entitled “System and Method for Selective Adjustment ofExercise Apparatus,” filed on Feb. 2, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,447,424,which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; and(ii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/349,608, entitled “Systems andMethods for Providing an Improved Exercise Device with MotivationalProgramming,” filed on Jul. 8, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,312,363, whichis hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Thisapplication is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/674,911, entitled “Systems and Methods for Controlling theOperation of One or More Exercise Devices and Providing MotivationalProgramming,” filed Sep. 29, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,537,546, which ishereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/674,911 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/933,701, entitled “System And Methods ForProviding An Improved Exercise Device With Motivational Programming,”filed Aug. 20, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,626,799, which is herebyincorporated herein by reference in its entirety and which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/349,608, filed Jul.8, 1999, entitled “Systems and Methods for Providing an ImprovedExercise Device with Motivational Programming,” now U.S. Pat. No.6,312,363, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/674,911 is also acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/641,627,filed Aug. 18, 2000, entitled “System for Interaction with ExerciseDevice,” now U.S. Pat. No. 7,116,062, which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety. U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/641,627, filed Aug. 18, 2000, is a continuation-in-part of each of:(i) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/349,608, filed Jul. 8, 1999,entitled “Systems and Methods for Providing an Improved Exercise Devicewith Motivational Programming,” now U.S. Pat. No. 6,312,363, which ishereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and (ii) U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/496,560, filed Feb. 2, 2000, entitled“System and Method for Selective Adjustment of Exercise Apparatus,” nowU.S. Pat. No. 6,447,424, which is hereby incorporated herein byreference in its entirety. Each of the aforementioned applications andpatents is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to exercise equipment. More specifically,the invention relates to methods, systems, and devices for selectiveadjustment of an exercise device to simulate movement along real worldterrain.

2. The Relevant Technology

In an attempt to improve their health and physical conditioning,consumers are purchasing exercise devices in record quantities. Onecommon challenge with exercise equipment is motivating the purchaser touse the device on a consistent and ongoing basis. This lack ofmotivation can be a result of the repetitive nature of the exercises andexercise routines that a user can perform on a specific exercise deviceas well as the versatility of the exercise devices.

With a typical stationary exercise cycle, for example, a user sits on aseat, holds onto one or more handles, and pedals with his or her feet.In order to provide variety during the exercise routine, the user canincrease or decrease his or her pedaling rate at various times duringthe exercise routine. This can be done by increasing or decreasing theamount of effort the user uses to pedal or by increasing or decreasingthe pedaling resistance provided by the exercise cycle. Additionally,many stationary exercise cycles are pre-programmed with one or moreexercise routines that automatically adjust the pedaling resistance atvarious time intervals during the exercise routine. Adjusting thepedaling rate and/or the pedaling resistance can allow a user to achievea workout suitable for the user's fitness level and goals. Adjusting thepedaling rate and/or the pedaling resistance, however, is ofteninsufficient to maintain a user's motivation to consistently use thestationary exercise cycle.

Typical treadmills also allow a user to adjust various operatingparameters to provide for improved workouts and variety during theworkouts. As with the stationary exercise cycles, however, users aretypically limited as to which treadmill operating parameters can beadjusted. For instance, treadmills usually provide for the adjustment ofthe speed and incline of the endless belt upon which the user ambulates.This allows a user to walk, jog, and/or run on the treadmill. It alsoallows the user to ambulate on a level surface or on an inclined surfacethat generally replicates a hill. These adjustable operating parametersare, like those of the stationary exercise cycles, often insufficient tomotivate a user to consistently use the treadmill on an ongoing basis.

Another factor that contributes to the lack of motivation to useexercise devices is the lack of visual or other type of stimulationprovided to the user while using the exercise device. In other words,users of exercise devices often become bored because their surroundingsdo not change during an exercise routine. Rather, their surroundings(i.e., the room in which the exercise device is located) are generallythe same each time the user exercises and throughout each exercisesession. This boredom can discourage the user from regularly using theexercise device. Even when the user does use the exercise device, theboredom resulting from the lack of stimulation can cause the user to notwork as hard during the exercise session, which can hamper the user'sability to achieve his or her fitness goals.

In order to combat this lack of stimulation, many exercise devices areequipped with a display for providing visual stimulation and motivationto the user of the device. For example, some displays depict a tract forindicating to a user how far the user has run or pedaled. Similarly,some displays depict hills that provide a visual representation of theresistance or inclination of the device. For instance, the display of astationary exercise cycle may depict a series of hills that are relatedto the pedaling resistance of the exercise cycle. As the user “rides upthe hill,” the pedaling resistance will increase; the steeper the hill,the greater the pedaling resistance will be. Correspondingly, as theuser “rides down the hill,” the pedaling resistance will decrease. Whilethese types of displays may provide some visual stimulation to the user,most users will quickly become bored with such displays, and the desiredstimulatory benefits will not be realized. In contrast, when a persongoes outside for a walk, run, or bicycle ride, the person's surroundingsare constantly changing, which can provide sufficient stimulation to theperson's mind to keep them motivated throughout the exercise routine.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to exercise equipment and systems, andparticularly to methods, systems, and devices for selective adjustmentof an exercise device to simulate movement along real world remotelocations while displaying images/videos of the remote locations.Simulation of a remote, real world locations and display of the relatedimages provides a user of the exercise device with the greater interestand motivation to use the exercise device on a regular and ongoingbasis. The simulation also allows the user to experience is a very realsense what it is like to traverse the remote location.

Thus, according to exemplary embodiments of the invention, an exercisesystem includes one or more exercise devices that communicate via anetwork with a communication system, such as a website. Thecommunication system stores and/or generates exercise programming foruse on the exercise device. The exercise programming is able to controlone or more operating parameters of the exercise device to simulateterrain found at a remote, real world location. The exercise programmingcan also include images/videos of the remote, real world location. Thecontrol signals and the images/videos can be synchronized so that a userof the exercise device is able to experience, via the changing operatingparameters, the topographical characteristics of the remote, real worldlocation as well as see images of the location.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the exercise system includesan exercise device that has a movable element for movement inperformance of exercise by a user and at least one actuator forcontrolling one or more operating parameters of the exercise device. Theexercise device is able to receive exercising programming that causesthe exercise device to simulate one or more aspects of a remote, realworld exercise route. The exercise programming can include one or morecontrol signals representative of changes to be made to the one or moreoperating parameters to simulate the remote, real world exercise route.In some embodiments, the exercise programming includes displayprogramming that display images of the remote, real world exercise routeto the user. The control signals and the display programming can besynchronized with one another to enhance the simulated experience.

The exercise system also includes a remote communication system thatuses data relating to the remote, real world exercise route to generatethe exercise programming which will cause the exercise device tosimulate the one or more aspects of the remote, real world exerciseroute. The data used to generate the exercise programming can includemap data, topographical data, video or image data, or a combinationthereof. The data used to generate the exercise programming can beobtained from one or more databases, such as one or more websites. Onedatabase, for example, may store topographical data while anotherdatabase stores image data. The remote communication system can beconfigured to access the data from one or more of the databases andsynchronize the data to generate the exercise programming. The systemalso includes a network adapted to facilitate communication between theremote communication system and the databases as well as facilitatingcommunication of the exercise programming from the remote communicationsystem to the exercise device.

According to another embodiment, the exercise system includes anexercise device that has a movable element for movement in performanceof exercise by a user. The exercise device can also have one or moreoperating parameters that are controlled by exercise programming. Aremote communication system can be adapted to communicate with a user ofthe exercise device and generate the exercise programming that iscommunicated to the exercise device. The remote communication systemenables the user to create user defined exercise programming by allowingthe user to select a starting point and an ending point for the remote,real world exercise route. As above, the exercise programming caninclude one or more control signals representative of changes to be madeto the one or more operating parameters to simulate topographicalcharacteristics of the remote, real world exercise route, and displayprogramming including images of the remote, real world exercise route.The exercise system can also include a network that communicates withthe exercise device and the remote communication system to communicatethe exercise programming from the remote communication system to theexercise device.

In one embodiment, the exercise device is a treadmill that has a baseframe, a treadbase mounted on the base frame, and an endless belttrained around the treadbase to enable the user to ambulate thereon. Thetreadbase can be pivotally mounted on the base frame so that thetreadbase can be selectively inclined or declined to simulate for theuser the experience of ambulating up and down hills of a remote, realworld exercise route. Similarly, the treadbase can be pivotally mountedon the base frame so that the treadbase can be selectively tilted fromone side to the other side to simulate for the user the experience ofambulating on an uneven surface of a remote, real world exercise route.

In another embodiment, the exercise device is an exercise cycle. Theexercise cycle includes a support base adapted to rest upon a supportsurface and an upright support structure mounted to the support base.The upright support structure includes a seat, a handle bar assembly,and a control panel. The exercise cycle also includes a pedal assemblythat can be engaged and rotated by a user's feet. A resistance assemblyprovides resistance to the rotation of the pedal assembly and can becontrolled by one or more control signals of the exercise programming.According to some embodiments, the upright support structure ispivotally mounted to the support base so that the upright supportstructure can be selectively tilted forward or backward to simulate forthe user the experience of riding a bicycle up or down a hill.

These and other objects and features of the present invention willbecome more fully apparent from the following description and appendedclaims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forthhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of thepresent invention, a more particular description of the invention willbe rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which areillustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that thesedrawings depict only illustrated embodiments of the invention and aretherefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention willbe described and explained with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary exercise system according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective illustration of a treadmill to be used in theexercise system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side illustration of a the treadmill of FIG. 2 with thetreadbase shown in a neutral position, and an inclined position featuredin phantom view;

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective illustration of the treadmill of FIG. 2with the treadbase in a first tilted position;

FIG. 5 is another rear perspective illustration of the treadmill of FIG.2 with the treadbase in a second tilted position;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the treadmill illustrated in FIGS. 2 through5 showing some of the incline/decline and tilting mechanisms of thetreadmill;

FIG. 7 is a cut away perspective view of the incline mechanismincorporated into the treadmill illustrated in FIGS. 2 through 6;

FIG. 8 is a cut away perspective view of the tilt mechanism incorporatedinto the treadmill illustrated in FIGS. 2 through 6;

FIG. 9 is a cut away perspective view of a bracket assembly incorporatedinto the treadmill illustrated in FIGS. 2 through 6 which facilitatesinclination/declination and tilting of the treadbase relative to thebase frame;

FIG. 10 is a perspective illustration of a stationary exercise cycle tobe used in the exercise system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a side illustration of the stationary exercise cycle of FIG.10 with the upright frame shown in a forward tilted position, and aneutral position featured in phantom view;

FIG. 12 is another side illustration of the stationary exercise cycle ofFIG. 10 with the upright frame shown in a backward tilted position, anda neutral position featured in phantom view;

FIG. 13 is a perspective illustration of the control panel of thetreadmill of FIG. 2;

FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram of the process of connecting to aremote communication system and selecting one or more options availablefrom the remote communication system;

FIG. 15 is a flow diagram representing the actions performed by the userand communication module to create exercise programs in accordance withthe teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a functional block diagram of the process of selecting anexercise device to be used in connection with the exercise programs; and

FIG. 17 is a flow diagram of the process of accessing a remotecommunication system, creating exercise programming, and downloading theexercise programming for use an on exercise device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed to devices that include one or moremotors or other electrically driven actuators used to control one ormore operating parameters of the device. While the invention will bedescribed in the context of either a motorized treadmill or a stationaryexercise cycle, it should be understood that the invention is notlimited to any particular type of exercise device. To the contrary, thepresent invention can be readily adapted to any motorized device or anyother device that utilizes motors, solenoids, or any other electricallydriven actuators to control any operating parameter of the device, suchas speed, resistance, incline, time, temperature, or other similaroperating parameters. The term “device” or “devices” shall refer broadlyto any type of apparatus that includes one or more stepper motors,solenoids, or other electrically driven actuators or controllers.Additionally, the term “exercise devices” shall refer broadly to anytype of device that takes the form of an exercise machine, including,but not limited to, treadmills, exercise cycles, Nordic style skiexercise devices, rowers, steppers, hikers, climbers, and elliptical orstriding exercise devices.

Depicted in FIG. 1 is a representation of one illustrative system,designated by reference numeral 10, which may incorporate the novelfeatures of the present invention, including various novel devices,hardware and software modules, and the like. As shown, one or moreexercise mechanisms 12, such as a treadmill 12 a and an exercise cycle12 b are each in communication with a communication system 14 (e.g. awebsite) via a personal computer 16. The personal computers 16communicate with a network 18 that is a communication network thatenables various hardware and software modules and devices to communicateone with another. Network 18, therefore, may be a local area network(LAN), wide area network (WAN), wireless network, packetized network,real-time network, and the like. Network 18 facilitates communication oftreadmill 12 a and/or exercise cycle 12 b with communication system 14.Communication system 14 assists with communication between a user ontreadmill 12 a and/or exercise cycle 12 b and one or more third parties20, as will be described in more detail hereinafter.

In the illustrated embodiment, connection between the exercisemechanisms 12 and network 18 can be made via a variety of communicationline connections. For example, as depicted in FIG. 1, treadmill 12 a iscapable of wireless communication with network 18, either directly orvia computer 16 and/or wireless router 17. Various other types of portsor interfaces may be included within exercise mechanisms 12 to enablecommunication via one or more communication line connections. Forinstance, an exercise mechanism 12 may include one or more ports andinterfaces to enable communication line connection through existingbroadcast technology, including television broadcast over the airwaves,cable or cable modems, satellite, telephone lines, whether analog ordigitally based, the Internet, DSL, G-Lite, wireless technology,infra-red (IR) technology, other high-speed data connections, or anyother suitable transmission technology or medium. In the illustratedembodiment, exercise cycle 12 b is shown with a hardwire connection topersonal computer 16, which has a hardwire connection with network 18.Thus, system 10 may allow for any type of connection between an exercisemechanism 12 and network 18, whether wired or wireless.

Although each exercise mechanism of system 10 is depicted ascommunicating via a personal computer 16 and network 18 with a singlecommunication system 14 and two third parties 20, it may be appreciatedby one skilled in the art that system 10 may be otherwise configured.For example, treadmill 12 a and exercise cycle 12 b may communicate viathe same personal computer 16. Similarly, the exercise devices maycommunicate with multiple communications systems 14 and third parties 20via multiple networks 18. Alternatively, one or more of the elements ofsystem 10 may be eliminated or the functionality thereof incorporatedwithin the structure and function of one or more of the other elementsof system 10.

Similarly, although each of the elements of system 10 are shownseparated one from another, it may be appreciated by one skilled in theart that the hardware and/or software elements of the present inventionmay be incorporated within two or more elements. For example, personalcomputers 16 may be incorporated within treadmill 12 a and/or exercisecycle 12 b. Similarly, the hardware and/or software elements of thecommunication system 14 may be incorporated within treadmill 12 a and/orexercise cycle 12 b.

As used herein, a database that is “external to” or “remote from”communication system 14 refers to a database that is administered ormaintained by a third party 20 that is different than the entity thatadministers or maintains communication system 14. Generally, examples ofa third party 20 may include: (i) a live human being; or (ii) adatabase, such as a website, computer, optical media (e.g., compact diskor digital video disk), visual media, or magnetic media (e.g.,videotape, readable disk), an electronic monitoring system, dynamiccomputer readable instructions, interactive and/or dynamic softwareprograms, computer readable instructions, one or more other databases,other media, hardware, and/or software modules and components thatis/are located external to communication system 14. In some embodiments,a third party 20 may include MAPQUEST.COM, MAP.GOOGLE.COM, the GOOGLEEARTH database, the GTOPO 30 database, the GOOGLE STREET VIEW database,the MICROSOFT VIRTUAL EARTH database, and the like. These third partiesare examples of databases that store data external to communicationsystem 14.

Such databases store image data that can be displayed or can beformatted or manipulated to be displayed on a display device 152 of anexercise device 12. The term “image data” includes and/or isrepresentative of: i) one or more static images; and/or ii) one or moremoving (i.e., video) images. For example, image data as used herein mayinclude a plurality of sequential static images, a video display, and/ora single image of terrain to be traversed by a user, such as a mountain,race course, or street.

Furthermore, the phrase “display programming,” as used herein, includesimage data and/or image data that has been formatted or manipulated sothat it can be synchronized with control signals and/or displayed on adisplay device of an exercise device. Examples of such displayprogramming that can display images on display 152 include videoprogramming, sequential static image programming, and/or a single imageof terrain to be traversed, for example.

The majority of the discussion of system 10 will focus on the use andinteraction of treadmill 12 a with system 10. However, exercise cycle 12b will also be described in connection with FIGS. 10 through 12. Whilesystem 10 will be described primarily in connection with treadmill 12 a,it may be appreciated that a similar discussion may be had for exercisecycle 12 b, other types of exercise mechanisms, or multiple exercisemechanisms of the same or different type. Thus, as illustrated in FIG.1, exercise cycle 12 b may be used in connection with system 10 alongwith most of the features described in connection with treadmill 12 a.

Generally, system 10 enables exercise programming with control signalsto be transmitted from communication system 14, to a user at treadmill12 a. As disclosed in U.S. patent Ser. No. 09/349,608 entitled “Systemsand Methods for Providing an Improved Exercise Device with MotivationalProgramming,” which is incorporated herein by reference, the programmingmay include motivational content and/or one or more control signals thatmay be used to control the operating parameters of treadmill 12 a. Thecontrol signals may be synchronized with the motivational content anddesigned to control one or more operating parameters of the exercisedevice, such as the speed, incline, difficulty of exercise program,time, distance, and the like of an exercise program performed ontreadmill 12 a.

As used herein, the term “motivational content” is used to broadly referto any video or visual material either alone or in combination withaudio material, including dialog, narration, sound effects, and/ormusic. In one embodiment of the present invention, the motivationalcontent is stored by a third party 20 and includes images, whether stillor moving, of real world environments, routes, locations, and the like.

Various terms are used herein to describe actual outdoor exerciseexperiences that can be simulated on treadmill 12 a, or another exercisedevice. These terms include real world environments, places, routes,trails, paths, courses, hikes, locations, and the like. It will beappreciated that these terms are used to broadly refer tocharacteristics of actual places in the world, including the topography,appearance, and sounds associated with the real world places.Additionally, exercise system 10 is described as being able to simulatethese real world places. Simulating these real world places refers toproviding a user of an exercise device an experience that is similar toactually being in the real world places. In other words, system 10 isadapted to replicate on an exercise device the topography, sights,and/or sounds that a person would experience were the person to actuallyto walk, run, ride, or the like, through the actual real world location.

Generally, communication between treadmill 12 a and communication system14 and/or a third party 20 may include both the motivational content andthe control signals, whether or not such control signals aresynchronized with the motivational content. Alternatively, thecommunication may include only the motivational content, other signalsrepresentative of measurable parameters of the exercise device (e.g.speed, inclination, resistance, etc) and/or a user of the exercisedevice (e.g. heart rate, blood pressure, etc), and the like. Forexample, treadmill 12 a may transmit one or more signals tocommunication system 14. The signal may include parameters such as thestatus of the exercise device, e.g., active status (i.e., on),deactivated status (i.e., off), standby status (i.e., waiting), and thelike, and/or parameters such as speed, inclination, resistance.Additionally, the signal may include parameters regarding the user, suchas heart rate, blood pressure, and the like. Alternatively, treadmill 12a may receive programming “broadcast” by communication system 14, suchthat any treadmill with the capabilities to receive the programming mayaccess such, without the need to transmit one or more signals.

As mentioned above, the control signals control the operating parametersof treadmill 12 a, such as speed, inclination, resistance, and the like.Such control may be achieved by communication system 14, or acombination of communication system 14 and a third party 20 interactingwith treadmill 12 a and/or communication system 14. Generally, thepresent invention allows control of a device, such as an exercisedevice, without the need to interrupt the other portions of theprogramming, such as the real-time audio and/or video.

FIGS. 2 through 9 generally depict a typical motorized treadmill 12 athat can be used in connection with system 10. Treadmill 12 a, in oneembodiment, includes a control panel 22 supported on a generally uprightsupport structure 24 and a treadbase 26. Upright support structure 24,in this illustrative embodiment, includes two side members 28, 30coupled to a base frame 32. Side members 28, 30 and base frame 32 mayhave various configurations and may be fabricated from various materialsso long as they are capable of supporting control panel 22 and treadbase26. For example, the elements of upright support structure 24 and baseframe 32 may be fabricated from, but not limited to metals, plastics,composites, combinations thereof, and the like. Additionally, oneskilled in the art may appreciate that various other exercise devicesmay have different upright support structures, side members, and baseframes, or be devoid of one or more of such structures and members.

The treadbase 26 typically includes a pair of side rails 34, 36 eachhaving a front portion proximal to and a rear portion distal fromupright support structure 24. A front pulley 38 (FIG. 6) and a rearpulley 40 (FIG. 6) are disposed between and supported by side rails 34,36, while a continuous belt 42 extends between and around front and rearpulleys 38 and 40, respectively. Pulleys 38, 40 and belt 42 may havevarious configurations and be fabricated from various materials, asknown by one skilled in the art and commonly known within the exerciseindustry.

A deck 44, commonly fabricated from wood, typically supports the upperrun of belt 42 and supports an exercising individual positioned uponbelt 42. Although deck 44 is preferably of a cellulose material such aswood, various other types of material may be used so long as deck 44 iscapable of supporting belt 42 and a user exercising thereupon.

As is common with electric treadmills, such as treadmill 12 a, frontpulley 38 is mechanically coupled to an electric tread drive motor 46(not shown) by way of a drive belt 48 (not shown). Motor 46 canincorporate an inertial flywheel that controls fluctuations in therotational motion of a shaft of motor 46 during operation of treadmill12 a. Motor 46 is optionally electrically coupled to a treadmillcontroller 50 (not shown) that controls the operation of motor 46, andthus the speed of belt 42, in response to various user inputs or othercontrol signals. Treadmill controller 50 can be incorporated withintreadbase 26, control panel 22, or within personal computer 16.

In addition to the ability to control and vary the speed of belt 42,treadmill 12 a also permits the degree of incline of treadbase 26relative to the floor, or other surface upon which treadbase 26 rests,to be varied. As depicted in FIG. 3 in solid lines, treadbase 26 can beoriented in a neutral position. In the neutral position, treadbase 26 issubstantially parallel to a support surface. Additionally, asillustrated in phantom lines in FIG. 3, treadbase 26 can be oriented inan inclined position such that the front portion of treadbase 26 isabove the neutral position. This enables an exerciser to simulatewalking or running up a hill.

In one embodiment, treadbase 26 can also be configured to decline into adeclined position in which the front portion of treadbase 26 drops belowthe neutral position. Typical walks or runs outside, for example,involve inclines and declines as well as flat surfaces, each of whichcan be accommodated and replicated by treadbase 26. Thus, treadmill 12 ais able to more closely simulate typical outdoor terrain.

The inclination/declination of treadbase 26 can be accomplished throughthe use of an incline mechanism 52, as depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7, oranother linearly extending assembly. Incline mechanism 52 raises orlowers one end of treadbase 26 relative to the other end. In theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, incline mechanism 52 ispivotally coupled to a cross bar 54 of treadbase 26 and a cross bar 56of base frame 32.

More particularly, a first end 58 of incline mechanism 52 is pivotallycoupled to cross bar 54 by way of a bracket 60 while a second end 62 ofincline mechanism 52 is coupled to cross bar 56 by way of a bracket 64.Each of brackets 60, 64 are generally U-shaped with a pin that can besecured between the two extending sides. The first and second ends 58,62 of incline mechanism 52 are each mounted on the pin of theirrespective bracket 60, 64. As incline mechanism 52 raises or lowers theend of treadbase 26, first and second ends 58, 62 of incline mechanism52 are able to pivot on the pins within brackets 60, 64. In this manner,first and second ends 58, 62 of incline mechanism 52 are able to pivotabout axes that are generally transverse to a longitudinal axis oftreadbase 26. As will be discussed in greater detail below, brackets 60,64 can be pivotally coupled to cross bars 54, 56 to allow treadbase 26to tilt from side to side without damaging incline mechanism 52.

In one embodiment, upon contraction of incline mechanism 52, treadbase26 moves to a declined position such that the front end of treadbase 26is positioned below the neutral position. When incline mechanism 52 isselectively extended to an extended position, treadbase 26 is inclinedsuch that the front end of treadbase 26 is positioned above the neutralposition. Through the inclination/declination of treadbase 26, asdescribed above, treadmill 12 a is able to simulate for a user theexperience of walking or running on level ground, up hills, and downhills.

In the illustrated embodiment, treadmill 12 a also permits treadbase 26to be tilted from side to side in order to more closely replicatewalking or running on outdoor terrain. As depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5,treadbase 26 can be tilted such that one side of treadbase 26 is higherthan the other. For instance, FIG. 4 illustrates treadbase 26 tilted sothat side rail 34 is higher than side rail 36. Similarly, FIG. 5illustrates treadbase 26 tilted so that side rail 36 is higher than siderail 34. The ability to tilt treadbase 26 to one side or another allowstreadmill 12 a to more closely simulate outdoor terrain. In particular,when a person goes outside for a run or walk, the person oftenencounters both inclining and declining hills as well as surfaces thatare not level from side to side, such as when walking or running acrossa hill. Thus, treadmill 12 a more closely replicates an outdoor walkingor running experience by providing a surface that inclines, declines,and tilts to each side.

The tilting of treadbase 26 can be accomplished through the use of atilt mechanism 66, as depicted in FIGS. 6 and 8, or another linearlyextending assembly. Tilt mechanism 66 is substantially similar toincline mechanism 52. Tilt mechanism 66 raises or lowers one side oftreadbase 26 relative to the other side. In the embodiment illustratedin FIGS. 6 and 8, tilt mechanism 66 is pivotally coupled to side rail 36of treadbase 26 and base frame 32.

More particularly, a first end 68 of tilt mechanism 66 is pivotallycoupled to side rail 36 by way of a bracket 70 while a second end 72 oftilt mechanism 66 is coupled to base frame 32 by way of a bracket 74.Each of brackets 70 and 74 are generally U-shaped with a pin that can besecured between the two extending sides. The first and second ends 68,72 of tilt mechanism 66 are each mounted on the pin of their respectivebracket 70, 74. As tilt mechanism 66 raises or lowers the side oftreadbase 26, first and second ends 68, 72 of tilt mechanism 66 are ableto pivot on the pins within brackets 70, 74. In this manner, first andsecond ends 68, 72 of tilt mechanism 66 are able to pivot about axesthat are generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of treadbase 26. Aswill be discussed below, brackets 70, 74 can be pivotally coupled toside rail 36 and base frame 32 to allow one end of treadbase 26 toincline relative to the other without damaging tilt mechanism 66.

In one embodiment, upon contraction of tilt mechanism 66, side rail 36is moved to a lower position than side rail 34. When tilt mechanism 66is selectively extended to an extended position, side rail 36 is movedto a higher position than side rail 34. Through the tilting of treadbase26, as described above, treadmill 12 a is able to more closely simulatefor a user the experience of walking or running outdoors.

As noted above, brackets 60, 64, 70, 74 can be pivotally coupled totheir respective cross bars or frames. Pivotally coupling brackets 60,64, 70, 74 to their respective cross bars or frames prevents inclinemechanism 52 and tilt mechanism 66 from being bent or otherwise damagedwhen treadbase 26 is inclined, declined, or tilted. For instance, thepivoting connection between brackets 70, 74, side rail 36, and baseframe 32 allows treadbase 26 to incline or decline without bending,overextending, or otherwise damaging tilt mechanism 66. Similarly, thepivoting connection between brackets 60, 64 and cross bars 54, 56 allowstreadbase 26 to tilt without bending, overextending, or otherwisedamaging incline mechanism 52.

Brackets 60, 64, 70, 74 can be pivotally coupled to their respectivecross bars or frames with the use of a mechanical fastener, such as abolt. The bottom cross portion of the generally U-shaped bracket canhave a bolt extending therethrough and which is secured within therespective cross bar or frame of each bracket. The bolt connection canallow the bracket to rotate thereon. It will be appreciated, however,that one or more of brackets 60, 64, 70, 74 can be connected to theirrespective cross bars or frames is a non-pivoting or non-rotatingmanner. For example, one or more of brackets 60, 64, 70, 74 can bewelded to their respective cross bars or frames.

With continuing attention to FIG. 6, attention is now also directed toFIG. 9, which illustrates a bracket assembly 76. Bracket assembly 76facilitates the inclination, declination, and tilting of treadbase 26relative to base frame 32. As best seen in FIG. 6, base frame 32includes a cross member 78 that extends between the rear end of basefrom 32 and cross member 56. Cross member 78 is generally in line withincline mechanism 52. Treadbase 26 also includes a cross member 80 thatextends between side rails 34 and 36. Cross member 80 is generally inline with tilt mechanism 66. As can be seen in the Figures, cross member80 extends across and over cross member 78 such that cross members 78and 80 are generally perpendicular to one another.

Bracket assembly 76 pivotally couples together treadbase 26 and baseframe 32. In the illustrated embodiment, bracket assembly 76 comprisestwo generally U-shaped brackets 82, 84. Each of brackets 82, 84 have twosubstantially parallel walls and a cross member that connects the walls,thereby forming a channel within each bracket 82, 84. The cross membersof bracket 82, 84 are coupled together such that the walls of bracket 82extend in an opposite direction of the walls of bracket 84. As best seenin FIG. 9, brackets 82, 84 are coupled together such that the channelsformed by brackets 82, 84 extend in generally perpendicular directions.In other words, brackets 82, 84 are offset by about 90°. Brackets 82, 84can be coupled together by any suitable means, including welding, bolts,and the like.

Cross member 80 is pivotally coupled within the channel of bracket 82with a pin 86. Pin 86 extends through the walls of bracket 82 andthrough a hole in cross member 80. Coupling cross member 80 to bracket82 in this manner enables treadbase 26 to tilt relative to bracketassembly 76 about an axis that is substantially parallel to alongitudinal axis of treadbase 26.

Bracket assembly 76 is coupled to base frame 32 is a similar manner astreadbase 26. Specifically, cross member 78 is pivotally coupled withinthe channel of bracket 84 with a pin 88. Pin 88 extends through thewalls of bracket 84 and through a hole in cross member 78. Couplingcross member 78 to bracket 84 in this manner enables bracket assembly 76and treadbase 26 to pivot relative to base frame 32 about an axis thatis substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of treadbase 26.Pivoting of bracket assembly 76 and treadbase 26 in this manner allowstreadbase 26 to be inclined or declined as described herein.

Attention is now directed to FIGS. 10 through 12, which generallyillustrate an exercise cycle 12 b that can be used with system 10.Exercise cycle 12 b, in one embodiment, includes a support base 90 and agenerally upright support structure 92 pivotally coupled thereto.Upright support structure 92, in this illustrative embodiment, includestwo support members 94, 96. Support member 94 includes a seat 98 uponwhich a user may sit when exercising on exercise cycle 12 b. Supportmember 96 includes a handlebar assembly 100 and a control panel 102.

In the illustrative embodiment, a drive assembly 104 is mounted onupright support structure 92. Drive assembly 104 includes a rotatablepedal assembly 106. Pedal assembly 106 includes a pair of cranks 108that are rotatably mounted on support member 94. Attached to each crank108 is a pedal 110, which a user can engage with their feet to rotatepedal assembly 106. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art,pedal assembly 106 can also be mounted on support member 96 or supportbase 90.

Drive assembly 104 also includes a resistance assembly 112 for providingresistance to the rotation of pedal assembly 106. Resistance assembly112 includes a flywheel 114 and a braking mechanism 116 mounted onsupport member 96. Braking mechanism 116 is adapted to selectivelyadjust the rotational speed of flywheel 114. Resistance assembly 112 iscoupled to pedal assembly 106 by an endless belt or chain 118 such thatthe rotational speed of pedal assembly 106 and flywheel 114 are relatedto one another.

Braking mechanism 116 can comprise a frictional brake, a magnetic brake,or any other suitable brake for controlling the rotational speed offlywheel 114. Braking mechanism 116 is optionally coupled to an exercisecycle controller 120 (not shown), which is similar to treadmillcontroller 50. Exercise cycle controller 120 controls the operation ofbraking mechanism 116, and thus the rotational speed of flywheel 114 inresponse to various user inputs or other control signals. Exercise cyclecontroller 120 can be incorporated within resistance assembly 112,control panel 102, or within personal computer 16.

Because resistance assembly 112 is coupled to pedal assembly 106, thebraking provided to flywheel 114 by braking mechanism 116 affects theresistance to the rotation of pedal assembly 106. In other words, when alarge braking force is applied to flywheel 114, it is harder for a userto rotate pedal assembly 106. Conversely, when little or no brakingforce is applied to flywheel 114, it is relatively easy for a user torotate pedal assembly 106. By adjusting the amount of braking applied toflywheel 114, exercise cycle 12 b can thus vary speed at which a usercan pedal and/or the resistance experienced by the user as he or shepedals on exercise cycle 12 b. In this manner exercise cycle 12 b isable to simulate the types of resistances and pedaling speeds that auser may experience if riding a bicycle outdoors.

In addition to the ability to control and vary the speed and resistanceof pedal assembly 106, exercise cycle 12 b also permits the tilting ofupright support structure 92 relative to the floor, or other surfaceupon which exercise cycle 12 b rests, to be varied. As depicted in FIG.11 in phantom lines, upright support structure 92 can be oriented in aneutral position. In the neutral position, handle bar assembly 100 andseat 98 are at generally the same vertical height. When upright supportstructure 92 is in the neutral position, a user sitting on seat 98 willfeel that he or she is sitting on a bicycle that is on a level surface.Additionally, as illustrated in solid lines in FIG. 11, upright supportstructure 92 can be oriented in a forwardly tilted position such thatthe handle bar assembly 100 is vertically below the neutral position andseat 98. Tilting upright support structure 92 forward as illustrated inFIG. 11 enables a user to simulate riding down a hill.

In one embodiment, upright support structure 92 can also be oriented ina backwardly tilted position in which the handle bar assembly 100 isvertically above the neutral position and seat 98. Typical bicycle ridesoutside, for example, involve inclines and declines as well as flatsurfaces, each of which can be accommodated and replicated by thetilting ability of upright support structure 92. Thus, exercise cycle 12b is able to more closely simulate a typical outdoor bicycle ride.

The forward and backward tilting of upright support structure 92 can beaccomplished through pivotally coupling upright support structure 92 tosupport base 90 as depicted in FIGS. 10 through 12. As seen in theFigures, upright support structure 92 is connected to support base 90 bypivot 124. Pivot 124 allows upright support structure 92 to tilt forwardand backward as described above. Pivot 124 can include a pin thatextends through a portion of support base 90 and through upright supportstructure 92. Pivot 124 can also include one or more stops to limit thetilting of upright support structure 92 within a desired range.

While pivot 124 allows upright support structure 92 to tilt forward andbackward, extension mechanism 122, or another linearly extendingassembly, controls the tilting of upright support structure 92. In theillustrative embodiment, extension mechanism 122 is coupled betweensupport base 90 and support member 94. More particularly, a first end126 of extension mechanism 122 pivotally couples to support member 94while a second end 128 of extension mechanism 122 pivotally couples tosupport base 90. Extension mechanism 122 raises or lowers support member94 relative to support base 90, thereby determining the tilt of uprightsupport structure 92. Extension mechanism 122 can also be coupledbetween support base 90 and support member 96 or drive assembly 104.

As with braking mechanism 116, extension mechanism 122 is optionallycoupled to exercise cycle controller 120. Exercise cycle controller 120controls the operation of extension mechanism 122, and thus the tilt ofupright support structure 92 in response to various user inputs or othercontrol signals.

In one embodiment, upon contraction of extension mechanism 122, supportmember 94 is lowered, causing upright support structure 92 to tiltbackward so that seat 98 is below the neutral position. When extensionmechanism 122 is selectively extended to an extended position, supportmember 94 is raised, causing upright support structure 92 to tiltforward so that seat 98 is above the neutral position. Through theforward and backward tilting of upright support structure 92, asdescribed above, exercise cycle 12 b is able to more closely simulatefor a user the experience of riding a bicycle on level ground as well asup and down hills.

Attention is now directed back to system 10 and how system 10 simulatesan outdoor exercise experience. More specifically, the followingdiscussion will be directed toward how system 10 enables a user to i)select a real world route, trail, path, or course, ii) exercise on anexercise device 12 that simulates the terrain of the selected real worldroute, trail, path, or course, and iii) view images of the real worldroute, trail, path, or course while exercising on the exercise device12. While the following discussion will be directed toward usingtreadmill 12 a with system 10, it will be appreciated from thedisclosure herein that other types of exercise devices, such as exercisecycle 12 b, can be used with system 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, treadmill 12 a includes control panel 22 attached toside members 28, 30 of upright support structure 24. Control panel 22,in one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, includes one or more interfacedevices. Such interface devices may be either input devices or outputdevices. Input devices enable a user to input and vary the operatingparameters of treadmill 12 a. As examples of such input devices, controlpanel 22 includes many typical controllers for use on an exercisedevice, such as a treadmill. A number of illustrative input devicesinclude but are not limited to time controls 126, distance controls 128,speed controls 130, incline controls 132, a start button 134, a stop orpause button 136, and heart rate controls 138. In addition to theseinput devices, such as one or more controllers, control panel 22 furtheroptionally includes an iFit.com button 140, a manual override button142, and a scaling control 144, each of which are also examples of inputdevices. It may be appreciated that each of the above-recitedcontrollers or buttons may be embodied in a variety of different mannersto perform their commonly utilized function. In addition, eachcontroller, button, and the like may take the form of one or moreswitches, rheostats, potentiometers, touch sensitive controls, voiceactivated controllers, and the like. The input devices described hereinare examples of structures capable of performing the function ofinterface means for gathering a first signal (such as a real timesignal) from the user. One skilled in the art may identify various otherconfigurations of interface means that are capable of performing thedesired function.

In addition to the above-described input devices control panel 22 mayinclude a variety of other input devices. For example, control panel 22may include an integrally formed mouse 146. Additionally, control panel22 may include a keyboard jack 148 for an external keyboard 150 (FIG.2), a touch-sensitive video display 152, and various other ports, jacks,or the like to receive various other external components. It will beappreciated that the external components, such as keyboard 150, may beintegrally formed within control panel 22. Additionally, one or more ofthe input devices may be incorporated into personal computer 16 (FIG.1).

Each input device is adapted to allow a user operating treadmill 12 a tomore fully operate one or more operating parameters of treadmill 12 a.Furthermore, the input devices enable the user to access communicationsystem 14 and/or obtain maps, topographical information, pictures orvideos of real world places, or other information via network 18,whether such information is from communication system 14, one or morethird parties 20, or from one of a variety of other hardware and/orsoftware modules that are accessible via network 18. For example, theinput devices may allow the user to access the Internet to find maps,topographical data, pictures, and/or videos of real world locations,routes, paths, courses, and the like. These additional input devices arefurther examples of structures capable of performing the function ofinterface means, communicating with the exercise mechanism, forgathering a first signal from the user.

As shown in FIG. 13, the iFit.com button 140, in one embodiment, acts asboth a selector and an indicator of connectivity of treadmill 12 a tocommunication system 14, and optionally one or more third parties 20,whether such connectivity is via computer 16, wireless router 17, ordirectly from treadmill 12 a. The iFit.com button 140 optionallyincludes an indicator light (not shown) that demonstrates when aconnection has been established between treadmill 12 a and communicationsystem 14, such as when the iFit.com button 140 is depressed.Alternatively, a light emitting diode (LED) positioned in closeproximity to the iFit.com button 140 may be activated when the iFit.combutton 140 is activated.

As discussed above, the connection achieved by activating iFit.combutton 140 may be via a variety of communication line connections. Forexample, as shown, control panel 22 includes a wireless port 154 thatenables treadmill 12 a to wirelessly communicate with network 18 (FIG.1), either directly or via computer 16 and/or wireless router 17.Alternatively, control panel 22 may have a hard wire connection tonetwork 18, either directly or via computer 16.

In one embodiment, by activating iFit.com button 140, a user oftreadmill 12 a, or other exercise device, connects to communicationsystem 14, such as a website. Such connection may be via anindependently located computer, such as computer 16, through a modem(not shown), wireless router 17, or directly through a local areanetwork (LAN) or wide area network (WAN) by way of the describedcommunication line connections for example, or other connections knownto one skilled in the art. More specifically, by activating the iFit.combutton 140 a signal is transmitted via network 18 to communicationsystem 14 to create a connection therebetween.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, once a connection is made between treadmill12 a and communication system 14, a user may access various programs,features, and the like of communication system 14. For example, once aconnection is made, a user can access, select, create, and/or downloadexercise programming for use with treadmill 12 a. As discussed below,the exercise programming can include one or more signals that are ableto adjust one or more operating parameters of treadmill 12 a as well asvideo and/or audio programming. With an established connection tocommunication system 14, the user can also select other options, such aspersonal training, health information, competition, diagnostics, and thelike, as shown in FIG. 14.

In another embodiment, a user may access communication system 14 usingpersonal computer 16. With a connection established between personalcomputer 16 and communication system 14, a user may access the programs,features, and options mentioned above. After the user selects thedesired option, such as selecting an exercise program, communicationsystem 14 can communicate the exercise program to treadmill 12 adirectly or via personal computer 16 or a portable memory device, suchas a Secure Digital (SD) memory card.

In either embodiment, and as illustrated in FIG. 15, when a userindicates that he or she would like to select and download an exerciseprogram, communication system 14 may prompt the user to select the typeof exercise device upon which the exercise program will be used. FIG. 16illustrates a functional block diagram of the process of selecting anexercise device to be used in connection with the exercise program. Asseen in FIG. 16, the user may be given the option to select from amongmany different types of exercise devices, including treadmills, cycles,Nordic type skiers, climbers, hikers, steppers, ellipticals, and thelike. After selecting the type of exercise device to be used, the usercan then select the desired exercise program that is compatible with theselected exercise device.

The exercise programming can take any one of a number of forms. Theexercise programming can include signals generated by communicationsystem 14 and sent to treadmill 12 a. The signals may include exercisecontrol signals, audio programming, and/or display programming. Theexercise controls signals can be configured to control/adjust one ormore operating parameters of treadmill 12 a, such as the exercise time,the incline and/or tilt of treadbase 26, and/or the speed of belt 42.The video and/or audio programming can provide various types ofinformation, including instruction, education, and entertainment.

As illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 15, the user may select betweenpreprogrammed exercise programming and user defined exerciseprogramming. When a user selects the preprogrammed exercise programmingoption, the user can view and select from among one or more availablepreprogrammed exercise programs. The signals of the selected exerciseprogramming can then be sent over network 18 to treadmill 12 a tocontrol the operating parameters of treadmill 12 a and/or providevideo/audio programming to the user. The exercise programming mayinclude common exercise routines that vary the speed and incline oftreadmill 12 a at various time intervals during the routine.

The exercise programming may also be adapted to simulate a real worldenvironment, such as a trail, route, course, path, or the like. By wayof non-limiting example, the exercise programming may be adapted tosimulate the New York City Marathon. More specifically, the controlsignals can be adapted to adjust the incline and tilt of treadbase 26 toreplicate the hills, level surfaces, and the like, encountered on theroute of the race.

In addition to adjusting the physical operating parameters of treadmill12 a, the exercise programming can include video and/or audioprogramming that is related to the control signals. The displayprogramming can be presented on video display 152, while the audioprogramming can be presented by audio output 156, such as a speaker. Inthe example of the exercise programming simulating the New York CityMarathon course, the display programming can include still or movingimages of the course, including buildings, bridges, and roads that areseen along the course.

The display programming can be synchronized with the control signalsthat adjust the operating parameters of treadmill 12 a. Synchronizingthe control signals and the display programming allows a user to viewthe real world environment at the same time the user encountersoperating parameters that simulate the viewed real world environment.For example, as a user runs on treadmill 12 a, the control signals maycause treadmill 12 a to simulate the terrain (i.e., hills, etc.) that arunner would encounter as he or she runs through Central Park. As theuser of treadmill 12 a experiences the terrain of Central Park, the usercan also view images, whether still or moving, of the area of CentralPark which the control signals are simulating.

Similar to the display programming, the audio programming can includetypical sounds heard by a runner in the race, including the cheers ofthe crowd, cars, sirens, horns, and the like. The audio programming mayalso provide information about the images presented in the displayprogramming. For example, the audio programming may include informationtypically provided on tour of New York City. The audio programming canbe synchronized with the control signals and the display programming sothat the sounds and/or information provided by the audio programming isrelated to what the user is seeing on video display 152 and experiencingon treadmill 12 a. For instance, as the user views images andexperiences the terrain of Central Park, the user may also hear soundstypical of Central Park, such as children playing, dogs parking, andpeople talking. Additionally, or alternatively, the user may be providedwith information in narrative form about Central Park, such as its size,history, or other interesting facts.

While the exercise programming has been described above in connectionwith the New Your City Marathon, it will be appreciated that theexercise programming may simulate other real world environments, such asother races, mountain hikes, city tours, or any other course, route,path, and the like.

Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 15, the user may select the userdefined exercise programming option. Communication system 14 may beconfigured to allow a user at treadmill 12 a or personal computer 16 tocreate exercise programming suitable to the desires of the user. Whencreating a user defined or unique exercise program, the user may havethe option to select, among other things, a desired route, displayprogramming, and/or audio programming. The user may also have the optionto select other exercise programming parameters, such as the exercisetime, changes in the speed of belt 42, changes in the incline and/ortilt of treadbase 26, and the like.

By way of example, a user accessing communication system 14 may be ableto select a real world environment which he or she would like treadmill12 a to simulate. In selecting the real world environment, the user mayselect a starting point, and ending point, and a specific route betweenthe two. Alternatively, the user may select a starting point and anending point, and allow communication system 14 and/or one or more ofthird parties 20 to select the route therebetween. In still otherembodiments, the user may select a starting point and allowcommunication system 14 and/or one or more of third parties 20 to selecta route that proceeds from the starting point for a selected time,distance, or the like. As noted above, the real world environment may bea famous or well known race course, tour route, hike, or the like.Alternatively, a user may create an exercise program that simulates anyother real world environment.

For instance, during good weather, a user of treadmill 12 a may alsolike to run outdoors along a route the user has developed, such as alongthe roads in his or her neighborhood. During bad weather, however, theuse may prefer to run on treadmill 12 a. In such a case, the user mayaccess communication system 14 and create an exercise program thatsimulates his or her neighborhood route. More specifically, the exerciseprogram can include controls signals that adjust the operatingparameters of treadmill 12 a to simulate the actual terrain (i.e., hillsand level surfaces) of the neighborhood route. Additionally, exerciseprogramming can also provide display programming showing images of theneighborhood route. As with the preprogrammed exercise programs, thedisplay programming can be synchronized with the control signals so thata user is able to view images of the real world environment associatedwith the actual terrain that is simulated on treadmill 12 a.

In order to generate exercise programming as described above,communication system 14 may require access to one or more types of data.Some types of data that may be needed to generate the above describedexercise programming include maps, topographical data, video or imagedata, audio data, and the like. The map data allows the user to create aroute through a real world environment which will be simulated ontreadmill 12 a. The topographical data can be used to generate controlsignals that adjust one or more operating parameters of treadmill 12 ato simulate the actual topography along the real world route. Thevideo/image data and the audio data can be used to provide the user witha visual representation of and/or audio information relating to the realworld route that is simulated on treadmill 12 a.

The data used to generate the exercise programming may be stored atcommunication system 14 or at one or more other locations. For example,communication system 14 may communicate with one or more third parties20 which store data. Third parties 20 may be websites and/or databasesthat are accessible via network 18. The following are a few examples ofthird parties 20 that can be accessed to retrieve information and datathat can be used to generate the above described exercise programming.

There are multiple route planning and mapping software applications andprograms which can be used by communication system 14 and/or a user attreadmill 12 a to develop a route for exercise programming as describedherein. Examples of such are MAPQUEST.COM, MAPS.GOOGLE.COM, and GOOGLEEARTH (available at earth.google.com). With these applications, a useris able to select a starting point and an ending point. The applicationsprovide multiple different routes between the two points. Alternatively,the applications allow for the creation of customized routes between thebeginning and end points by selecting intermediate points between thebeginning and ending points.

Similarly, there are multiple databases that store topographical datafor specific regions of the world. In addition, the U.S. GeologicalSurvey maintains a database, the GTOPO 30 or Global Topography at 30arc/second database (available at edc.usgs.gov), which includestopographical data for the entire world. Communication system 14 canaccess one or more of these databases to retrieve information and dataregarding the real world route that is to be simulated on treadmill 12.With this data, communication system 14 can generate the control signalsthat control one or more of the operating parameters of treadmill 12 a,such as the incline and/or tilt of treadbase 26, to simulate the terrainof the real world route.

Databases that store still or moving images of real world locations canalso be accessed by communication system 14 in order to provide to theuser of treadmill 12 a a visual representation of the real world routethat is simulated on treadmill 12 a. Examples of such databases includethe GOOGLE EARTH, GOOGLE STREET VIEW (available at MAPS.GOOGLE.COM), andMICROSOFT VIRTUAL EARTH (available at www.microsoft.com/virtualearth)databases. These databases provide a bird's eye view or a street levelview of a selected route or location.

With access to at least some of the data described above, communicationsystem 14 is able to generate exercise programming that allows treadmill12 a to simulate real world environments. In one embodiment, a user oftreadmill 12 a accesses communication system 14 via control panel 22.Communication system 14 provides a user interface that allows the userto select a preprogrammed exercise route or create a user definedexercise route. In the case of creating a user defined exercise route,communication system 14 allows the user to enter a starting point, anending point, and/or one or more intermediate points that will definedthe exercise route.

With the supplied starting point, ending point, and/or one or moreintermediate points, communication system 14 communicates with one ormore third parties 20 that provide map and topographical data relatingto the selected route. The map and topographical data provided by thethird parties 20 may include a map highlighting the selected route,total route distance, route directions, travel times for specificspeeds, as well as forward, backward, and side-to-side elevation changesalong the selected route.

Communication system 14 can also communicate with one or more otherthird parties 20 to retrieve other data relating to the selected route.Communication system 14 can, for example, communicate with the GOOGLESTREET VIEW database to retrieve images of the selected route.Furthermore, communication system 14 can access other types ofdatabases, such as audio databases, that provide audible informationrelating to the selected route.

Once communication system 14 has retrieved the desired information forthe selected route, communication system 14 compiles the gathered dataand generates the exercise program. Communication system 14 uses the mapand topographical data to generate a series of control signals thatcontrol one or more operating parameters of treadmill 12 a. In otherwords, using a correlation algorithm, communication system 14 cansynchronize the topographical data with the map data to correlate thedistance and the grade or elevation change between two points on theselected route and generate a control signal that will cause treadmill12 a to simulate that terrain. For instance, communication system 14 canuse the map data to determine that the distance between point A andpoint B is ½ mile, and can use the topographical data to determine thatthe area between points A and B has a grade of 12%. Using thisinformation, communication system generates one or more control signalsthat will cause treadmill 12 a to incline treadbase 26 to a 12% gradeuntil the user has walked for ½ mile. In a similar manner, communicationsystem 14 can use the map data, the topographical data, and otherreference points along the selected route to generate control signalsthat control the tilt of treadbase 26.

In addition to generating the control signals, communication system 14can also generate display programming to accompany the control signals.As mentioned above, the display programming can include still or movingimages of the selected real world route, which communication system 14retrieves from one or more third parties 20. For example, communicationsystem 14 communicates with a third party 20, such as the Google StreetView database via the Google Maps API (application programminginterface), to retrieve a series of images from of the selected realworld route. When a series of images are used to provide a visualdepiction of the selected rout, the images can be cached or buffered sothat upon delivery to the user of treadmill 12 a, the images provide analmost seamless, video-like depiction of the selected real world route.

As mentioned above, communication system 14 can synchronize the displayprogramming with the control signals. In this manner, the controlsignals will adjust the operating parameters of treadmill 12 a at thesame time the display programming depicts a change in the terrain of thereal world route. For instance, at the same time the control signalsbegin to cause treadbase 26 to incline to simulate a hill on the realworld route, the display programming shows one or more images of thehill on the real world route as if the user were actually beginning toascend the hill.

Once remote communication system 14 has generated the control signalsfrom the topographical/map data and the display programming from theretrieved images of the real world route, remote communication system 14can employ a correlation algorithm to synchronize the control signalswith the display programming. In one embodiment, the correlationalgorithm uses data about the series of retrieved images, such as thenumber of images along the real world route, the real world distancesbetween the images, and the like. Similarly, the correlation algorithmalso uses information from the retrieved topographical/map data, such asdistances between locations on the real world route, changes inelevation between locations on the real world route, directional changesalong the real world route, and the like. Using this data, thecorrelation algorithm synchronizes the control signals and the displayprogramming. For example, the correlation algorithm may coordinate thefirst control signal with the display of the first image of the remotereal world route. The correlation algorithm may correlate a subsequentimage with a change in the map data, such as when the map data indicatesa change in a certain distance from the previous real world location.The correlation algorithm may also correlate subsequent images with achange in the topographical data, such as an elevation change from theprevious real world location.

In some embodiments, communication system 14 also provides audioprogramming that is synchronized with the control signals and thedisplay programming. The audio programming can include sounds that maytypically be heard along the real world route, such as cars, sirens,animals, people, and the like. The audio programming can also include innarrative form information about sites along the real world route. Forexample, if a user chose to have treadmill 12 a simulate a route throughWashington D.C. which passed by sites such as the White House, the U.S.Capital building, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument, theaudio programming could provide information about each of these sites,such as might be heard during a tour of Washington D.C. A correlationalgorithm, such as the one described above, may be used to coordinatethe presentation of the audio programming with the display programmingand the control signals.

As shown in the flow diagram of FIG. 17, in one exemplary embodiment, auser may access remote communication system 14 directly from treadmill12 a (using control panel 22), from personal computer 16, or fromtreadmill 12 a via personal computer 16. Connection between remotecommunication system 14 and treadmill 12 a and/or personal computer 16can be achieve via network 18, as described herein. Network 18 andremote communication system 14 in this embodiment are the Internet and awebsite, respectively. Once a connection has been established withremote communication system 14 and the user has indicated that he/shewould like to create exercise programming, the user may define a remote,real world exercise route by entering a starting point, an ending point,and/or one or more intermediate points. With the remote, real worldexercise route defined by the starting point, ending point, and/or oneor more intermediate points, remote communication system 14 accesses oneor more third parties 20 to retrieve data relating to one or morecharacteristics of the defined remote, real world exercise route. Remotecommunication system 14 then uses the retrieved data to generateexercise programming for treadmill 12 a.

In one embodiment, remote communication system 14 may accessMAPQUEST.COM to obtain map data, including distances, directions, andthe like, relating to the defined remote, real world exercise route.Remote communication system 14 may also access a database, such as theGTOPO 30 database, that stores topographical data relating to thedefined remote, real world exercise route. Remote communication system14 can use the map data and topographical data retrieved from thesethird parties 20 to generate control signals that will cause treadmill12 a to simulate the terrain of the remote, real world exercise route.In addition, remote communication system 14 may access a database, suchas the GOOGLE STREET VIEW database, to retrieve a plurality ofsequential static images of the remote, real world exercise route.

With the control signals generated from the topographical data and theimages of the remote, real world exercise route, remote communicationsystem 14 generates exercise programming for treadmill 12 a as describedabove. Remote communication system 14 then communicates the exerciseprogramming to treadmill 12 a as shown in FIG. 17. In some embodiments,remote communication system 14 can communicate the exercise programmingdirectly to treadmill 12 a, as shown in FIG. 17. For example, whentreadmill 12 is adapted to communicate directly with network 18, remotecommunication system 14 can send the exercise programming directly totreadmill 12 a via network 18.

In other embodiments, remote communication system 14 communicates theexercise programming to treadmill 12 a via personal computer 16. Forinstance, when personal computer 16 is adapted to communicate withnetwork 18 and treadmill 12 a, via a hardwire or wireless connection,remote communication system 14 can send the exercise programming topersonal computer 16, which can in turn send the exercise programming totreadmill 12 a. Personal computer 16 can send the exercise programmingto treadmill 12 a through a variety of means. For example, personalcomputer 16 can communicate with treadmill 12 a via a hardwire orwireless connection as described herein. Alternatively, personalcomputer 16 may be adapted to store the exercise programming on aportable memory device, which can be selectively associated withtreadmill 12 a. By way of non-limiting example, personal computer 16 canbe adapted to receive and store the exercise programming on a portablememory device, such as an SD card, a DataFlash card, a MultiMedia Card(MMC), CompactFlash card, a removable NAND-type flash memory (e.g.SmartMedia, Sony Memory Stick), a one-time-programmable memory cards(OTP), XD cards, and the like. The portable memory device can then beremoved from personal computer 16 and inserted or otherwise associatedwith treadmill 12 a.

Once the exercise programming has been delivered to treadmill 12 a viaany suitable means, such as those described herein, treadmill 12 a canrun/execute the exercise programming by processing the control signals,the display programming, and/or the audio programming. As treadmill 12 aruns the exercise programming, treadmill 12 a simulates the remote, realworld exercise route. In particular, the control signals of the exerciseprogramming cause treadmill 12 a to adjust one or more operatingparameters, such as the incline or tilt of treadbase 26, to replicatethe terrain of the remote, real world exercise route. In addition,treadmill 12 a displays, via display 152, the plurality of sequentialstatic images of the remote, real world exercise route. As noted herein,the generation of the exercise programming includes the synchronizationof the control signals and the plurality of sequential static images.This synchronization allows the user to view the images of the remote,real world exercise route while treadmill 12 a simulates the terrain ofthe remote, real world exercise route that is associated with thoseimages. In other words, synchronizing the control signals and theplurality of sequential static images allows a user of treadmill 12 a toexperience the terrain of the remote, real world exercise route whilesimultaneously viewing images of the portion of the remote, real worldexercise route that is being simulated at that time.

Thus, in one embodiment, i) topographical data retrieved from a thirdparty 20, such as the GTOPO 30 databases, is used to generate controlsignals that adjust operational parameters of treadmill 12 a to simulatereal world terrain; and ii) image data retrieved from another thirdparty 20, such as the GOOGLE STREET VIEW database, is synchronized withthe control signals and displayed on video output device 152. In thisembodiment, the user can experience the topographical changes of thereal world terrain as represented by the topographical data retrievedfrom the GTOPO 30 database, for example, while simultaneously viewingthe corresponding images for the same terrain that have been retrievedfrom the GOOGLE STREET VIEW database, for example.

As noted above, treadmill 12 a can monitor the actual operatingparameters of treadmill 12 a, such as the incline and tilt of treadbase26 and the speed of belt 42. The actual operating parameters oftreadmill 12 a and the exercise programming can be correlated so thatthe control signals, display programming, and audio programming areupdated or changed at the appropriate times. For instance, the exerciseprogramming may include control signals that incline treadbase 26 to a5% grade for ¼ mile and then decline treadbase to a 2% grade for 1 mile.The speed of belt 42 will affect the amount of time that each of thecontrols signals is active. If belt 42 were moving at 5 miles per hour(mph), for example, the user would traverse the ¼ mile segment in 3minute and the 1 mile segment in 12 minutes. If belt 42 were moving at2.5 mph, however, it would take the user 6 minutes to traverse the ¼mile segment and 24 minutes to traverse the 1 mile segment. Thus,correlating or synchronizing the actual operating parameters oftreadmill 12 a with the exercise programming allows treadmill 12 a to becontrolled in such a way as to realistically simulate the real worldenvironment. The correlation or synchronization of the exerciseprogramming and the actual operating parameters can be performed bytreadmill controller 50, control panel 22, personal computer 16,communication system 14, or a combination thereof.

As mentioned above, control panel 22 may include manual override button142. Manual override button 142 enables a user to override a controlsignal generated by communication system 18, personal computer 16, ortreadmill 12 a. For example, if the exercise program accessed throughcommunication system 14 is too difficult for the user, the user mayactivate manual override button 142, thereby interrupting or decreasingthe difficulty level of the program delivered to treadmill 12 a bycommunication system 14. Furthermore, in the event that the exerciseprogram is too easy, the user may increase the difficulty level of theexercise device. Consequently, manual override button 142 provides theuser with a safety switch during operation of treadmill 12 a. In analternate configuration of treadmill 12 a, the functionality of manualoverride button 142 is activated upon manual activation of one of theother input devices, such as but not limited to, time controls 126,distance controls 128, speed controls 130, incline controls 132,stop/pause button 136, and the like.

Similar to the operation of manual override button 142, scaling control144 enables a user to vary the operating parameters of treadmill 12 aduring an exercise program run by treadmill 12 a. A user may activatescaling control 144 and vary the intensity of an exercise program. Thescaling control 144, therefore, enables a user to select a valuerepresentative of the proportional change to be made to the controlsignal received by the communicating mechanism of treadmill 12 a fromcommunication system 14. For example, if an exercise program requires amaximum speed of 6 mph with a maximum incline of 15 degrees for a periodof 30 minutes, an individual may activate scaling control 144 to requireonly 66% intensity of the exercise program; stated otherwise, reduce theintensity by one third. Therefore, the exercise program is varied to amaximum speed of 4 mph, with a maximum incline of 10 degrees, for aperiod of 20 minutes. Optionally, scaling control 144 may enable theuser to set maximum values for each operating parameter of treadmill 12a. In another configuration, scaling control 144 may enable the user toscale only one operating parameter of treadmill 12 a while leaving otherparameters unchanged. Hence, the user may vary the exercise program totheir particular abilities, while obtaining the beneficial effects ofexercising.

In addition to the output devices described above, the present inventionmay include various other output devices to provide information and datato the user of treadmill 12 a. In one embodiment of treadmill 12 a,control panel 22 includes one or more operating parameter displays. Theone or more operating parameter displays give a visual display of someof the more important exercise device operating parameters, such as, butnot limited to, speed, incline, distance traveled, calories used,elevation climbed, wheel resistance, and the like. The one or moreoperating parameter displays may use a numerical display, a graphicaldisplay, combinations thereof, or such other displays known to oneskilled in that art. For example, the operating parameter display may beincorporated within video output device 152.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the exercisedevice is capable of being controlled by signals from the communicationsystem and/or physical controls integrated onto the exercise device. Thephysically integrated controls and the controls from the communicationsystem may be passed through a buffer that controls the exercise device.In this way, in the event that connectivity to the communication systemis lost, a user of the exercise device would still be capable ofcontrolling the exercise device.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the phrases“communicating with,” and “in communication with” and similar phrasesshall mean any type of applicable communication known to one skilled inthe art in light of the disclosure herein, such as electricalcommunication, optical communication, physical communication, magneticcommunication, software communication, hardware communication, datacommunication, and the like.

An exercise system according to one embodiment of the present inventionis configured to simulate a real world exercise route. The exercisesystem of the present embodiment comprises an exercise device includinga movable element for movement in performance of exercise by a user andat least one actuator for controlling one or more operating parametersof the exercise device. The exercise device is adapted to receiveexercising programming and use the exercise programming to substantiallysimulate one or more aspects of the real world exercise route. Theexercise programming includes one or more control signals representativeof changes to be made to the one or more operating parameters tosubstantially simulate the real world exercise route. The exercisesystem also includes a remote communication system adapted to use datarelating to the real world exercise route to generate the exerciseprogramming. The data is stored external to the remote communicationsystem. The system also includes a network adapted to facilitatecommunication of the exercise programming from the remote communicationsystem to the exercise device.

According to the present embodiment, the data used to generate theexercise programming comprises map data, topographical data, video orimage data, or a combination thereof. The communication system isadapted to communicate with at least one third party to obtain the dataused to generate the exercise programming. The at least one third partycomprises a database or website. The exercise device of the exercisesystem is adapted to communicate with the network either directly orthrough a separate computer. The exercise device is selected from thegroup consisting of a treadmill, a exercise cycle, a climber, a hiker,an elliptical, and a stepper.

The exercise programming includes display programming including imagesof the real world exercise route. Furthermore, the control signals areadapted to control the one or more operating parameters to substantiallysimulate topographical characteristics of the real world exercise route.The control signals control the one or more operating parameters whilethe user views the images provided by the display programming on anexercise device display.

In another embodiment of the present invention, an exercise system isconfigured to simulate a real world exercise route and comprises anexercise device comprising a movable element for movement in performanceof exercise by a user. The exercise device has one or more operatingparameters that are controlled by exercise programming. The exercisesystem also includes a remote communication system adapted tocommunicate with a user of the exercise device to enable the user toselect a starting point and an ending point for the real world exerciseroute of user defined exercise programming and generate the user definedexercise programming that includes one or more control signalsrepresentative of changes to be made to the one or more operatingparameters to substantially simulate topographical characteristics ofthe real world exercise route, and display programming including imagesof the real world exercise route. The remote communication systemgenerates the exercise programming from data stored external to theremote communication system. Additionally, the exercise system includesa network in communication with the exercise device and the remotecommunication system, the network being configured to communicate theexercise programming from the remote communication system to theexercise device.

In the present embodiment, the exercise device comprises a treadmillhaving a base frame, a treadbase mounted on the base frame, and anendless belt trained around the treadbase to enable the user to ambulatethereon. The treadbase is pivotally mounted on the base frame so thatthe treadbase can be selectively inclined or declined to simulate forthe user the experience of ambulating up and down hills of the realworld exercise route. Additionally, the treadbase is pivotally mountedon the base frame so that the treadbase can be selectively tilted fromone side to the other side to substantially simulate for the user theexperience of ambulating on an uneven surface of the real world exerciseroute.

According to the present embodiment, the one or more control signalscontrol the operating parameters of the exercise device while thedisplay programming is presented to the user on an exercise devicedisplay. Also, the data stored external to the remote communicationsystem comprises data stored by at least one third party.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, an exercise systemconfigured to simulate a remote, real world exercise route comprises anexercise device having a movable element for movement in performance ofexercise by a user. The exercise device is receptive to control signalsthat adjust one or more operating parameters associated with the movableelement to substantially simulate topographical characteristics of theremote, real world exercise route, while simultaneously presentingimages of the remote, real world exercise route on an exercise devicedisplay. The exercise system also includes a remote communication systemthat generates exercise programming and communicates the exerciseprogramming to the exercise device. The remote communication system usesdata relating to the appearance and topographical characteristics of theremote, real world exercise route to generate the exercise programming.The exercise programming includes i) one or more control signals thatare adapted to cause a change in the one or more operating parameters tosubstantially simulate the topographical characteristics of the remote,real world exercise route, and ii) display programming including theimages of the remote, real world exercise route presented on theexercise device display. Moreover, the exercise system includes at leastone database external to the remote communication system, the at leastone database storing the data used by the remote communication system togenerate the exercise programming.

In the present embodiment, the exercise device comprises an exercisecycle that includes: a support base adapted to rest upon a supportsurface; an upright support structure mounted to the support base, theupright support structure having a seat, a handle bar assembly, and acontrol panel; a pedal assembly adapted to be engaged and rotated by theuser's feet, the pedal assembly being coupled to the upright supportstructure; and a resistance assembly adapted to provide resistance tothe rotation of the pedal assembly, the resistance assembly beingcoupled to the upright support structure, the resistance assembly beingcontrolled by the one or more control signals of the exerciseprogramming.

The upright support structure is pivotally mounted to the support base,the upright support structure being selectively tilted forward orbackward to substantially simulate for the user the experience of ridinga bicycle up or down a hill. The resistance provided by the resistanceassembly can be associated with the tilt of the upright supportstructure to substantially simulate for the user the experience ofriding a bicycle up or down a hill on the remote, real world exerciseroute. The exercise programming is adapted to adjust the tilt of uprightsupport structure and the resistance provided by the resistance assemblybased upon the topographical characteristics of the remote, real worldexercise route and the user's weight.

Yet a further embodiment of the present invention relates to an exercisesystem configured to simulate a remote, real world exercise route. Theexercise system includes a network and an exercise device incommunication with the network. The exercise device is receptive toexercise programming that is adapted to control one or more selectivelyadjustable operating parameters of the exercise device to substantiallysimulate the remote, real world exercise route. The system also includesat least one external database in communication with the network, the atleast one database storing data relating to one or more characteristicsof the remote, real world exercise route, and a remote communicationsystem adapted to generate the exercise programming and communicate theexercise programming to the exercise device. The remote communicationsystem is adapted to allow a user of the exercise device to define theremote, real world exercise route. The remote communication system isalso adapted to communicate with the at least one database via thenetwork to retrieve the data relating to the one or more characteristicsof the remote, real world exercise route. Further, the remotecommunication system is adapted to use the user defined remote, realworld exercise route and the data retrieved from the at least onedatabase to generate the exercise programming, wherein the at least onedatabase is external to the remote communication system.

In the present embodiment, the data stored by the at least one databasecomprises map data, topographical data, image data, or a combinationthereof. The remote communication system is adapted to generate one ormore control signals for incorporation in the exercise programming, theone or more control signals being generated based on the topographicaldata retrieved from the at least one database. The one or more controlsignals are representative of changes to be made to the one or moreselectively adjustable operating parameters of the exercise device tosubstantially simulate the remote, real world exercise route.Furthermore, the remote communication system is adapted to generatedisplay programming for incorporation in the exercise programming, thedisplay programming including the image data retrieved from the at leastone database. Additionally, the at least one database is external to andremote from the remote communication system.

In another embodiment of an exercise system configured to simulate aremote, real world exercise route, the exercise system comprises anexercise device and a remote communication system. The exercise deviceis adapted to substantially simulate the remote, real world exerciseroute in response to exercise programming, wherein the exercise devicecomprises a user interface that enables a user to define the remote,real world exercise route by selecting one or more parameters of theremote, real world exercise route. The one or more user selectableparameters of the remote, real world exercise route include a startingpoint, an ending point, a total distance, a total elevation change, or acombination thereof. The remote communication system in is communicationwith the exercise device. The remote communication system is adapted toreceive the one or more user defined parameters of the remote, realworld exercise route and communicate with at least two third parties toretrieve data stored by the at least two third parties relating to theremote, real world exercise route. The remote communication system isalso adapted to use the data retrieved from the at least two thirdparties to generate the exercise programming that includes controlsignals for controlling the operation of the exercise device and displayprogramming synchronized with the control signals.

The remote communication system communicates with the at least two thirdparties via a network. The at least two third parties comprise at leasttwo databases external to and remote from the remote communicationsystem. The at least two databases are accessible via one or morewebsites. The remote communication system uses topographical data storedby one of the at least two third parties to generate the control signalsthat are configured to adjust one or more operating parameters of theexercise device. Similarly, the remote communication system uses imagedata stored by another one of the at least two third parties to generatethe display programming. The image data comprises a plurality ofsequential static images of the remote, real world exercise route.

The synchronization of the display programming and the control signalsprovides the user with the ability to view images of the real worldexercise route while substantially experiencing, by way of the one ormore changing operating parameters, the topographical characteristics ofthe real world environment viewed in the images of the displayprogramming. The remote communication system synchronizes the controlsignals and the display programming so that there is a temporalrelationship between changes in the control signals and the displayprogramming.

A first third party of the at least two third parties of the presentembodiment stores topographical data relating to the remote, real worldexercise route, a second third party of the at least two third partiesstores a plurality of sequential static images of the remote, real worldexercise route, and the remote communication system synchronizes theplurality of sequential static images with control signalsrepresentative of the topographical data. Alternatively, a first thirdparty of the at least two third parties stores topographical datarelating to the remote, real world exercise route, a second third partyof the at least two third parties stores one or more video images of theremote, real world exercise route, and the remote communication systemsynchronizes the one or more video images with control signalsrepresentative of the topographical data.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method forgenerating exercise programming for substantially simulating a remote,real world exercise route on an exercise device. The method can bepracticed in an exercise system having a remote communication systemadapted to communicate with the exercise device and at least two thirdparty databases. The method includes the steps of: receiving one or moreparameters for defining the remote, real world exercise route;retrieving a first type of data relating to the remote, real worldexercise route from a first third party database of the at least twothird party databases; retrieving a second type of data relating to theremote, real world exercise route from a second third party database theat least two third party databases; generating one or more controlsignals using the first type of data retrieved from the first thirdparty database, the control signals being adapted to cause the exercisedevice to substantially simulate topographical characteristics of theremote, real world exercise route; generating display programming usingthe second type of data retrieved from the second third party database,the display programming including images of the remote, real worldexercise route; and synchronizing the one or more control signals andthe display programming.

The method can also include communicating the one or more remote, realworld exercise route defining parameters to the at least two third partydatabases, or communicating the one or more remote, real world exerciseroute defining parameters from the exercise device to the remotecommunication system. The method can also include generating a remote,real world exercise route based on the one or more remote, real worldexercise route defining parameters. The step of synchronizing the one ormore control signals and the display programming comprises temporallyrelating the one or more control signals and the display programming.The step of synchronizing the one or more control signals and thedisplay programming correlates changes in the one or more controlsignals to changes in the display programming.

Each of the first and second third party databases comprises one or moredatabases accessible by the remote communication system via a website.The first type of data comprises topographical data, and the second typeof data comprises image data and the second type of data used togenerate the display programming includes image data. The image datacomprises one or more static images and/or one or more video images.

In still yet another embodiment, an exercise system configured tosubstantially simulate a remote, real world exercise route comprises anetwork, an exercise device, a plurality of third parties, and a remotecommunication system. The exercise device is in communication with thenetwork, the exercise device being receptive to exercise programmingthat is adapted to control one or more selectively adjustable operatingparameters of the exercise device to substantially simulate the remote,real world exercise route. The plurality of third parties is incommunication with the network, the plurality of third parties storingdata relating to one or more characteristics of the remote, real worldexercise route. The plurality of third parties comprises one or moredatabases that store topographical data relating to the remote, realworld exercise route, and one or more other databases that store imagedata relating to the remote, real world exercise route. The remotecommunication system is external to and remote from the plurality ofthird parties, the remote communication system is adapted to allow auser of the exercise device to define the remote, real world exerciseroute. The remote communication system is adapted to communicate withthe plurality of third parties via the network to retrieve the datarelating to the one or more characteristics of the remote, real worldexercise route. The remote communication system is also adapted to usethe data retrieved from the plurality of databases to generate theexercise programming. Generating the exercise programming includes (i)using the image data to generate display programming; (ii) using thetopographical data to generate control signals; and (iii) synchronizingthe display programming with the control signals, the remotecommunication system being adapted to communicate the exerciseprogramming to the exercise device.

The remote communication system generates the control signals using thetopographical data. The control signals control the one or moreselectively adjustable operating parameters of the exercise device tosubstantially simulate the terrain of the remote, real world exerciseroute. The image data comprises a plurality of sequential static imagesof the remote, real world exercise route and the exercise devicecomprises a display adapted to display the plurality of sequentialstatic images.

Synchronization of the control signals and the plurality of sequentialstatic images enables the user of the exercise device to substantiallyexperience the terrain of the remote, real world exercise route on theexercise device while simultaneously viewing images of the remote, realworld exercise route associated with the simulated terrain. The imagedata comprises video images of the remote, real world exercise route andthe exercise device comprises a display adapted to display the videoimages of the remote, real world exercise route. The plurality of thirdparties are external to and remote from the remote communication system.

Certain features relating to embodiments of the present invention arefurther disclosed in: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/849,068,entitled “Exercise Device with On Board Personal Trainer,” filed Aug.31, 2007, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008-0051256, which isincorporated herein in its entirety by reference; U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/429,725, entitled “Systems and Methods forEnabling Two-Way Communication Between One or More Exercise Devices andComputer Devices and for Enabling Users of the One or More ExerciseDevices to Competitively Exercise,” filed May 8, 2006, U.S. PatentPublication No. 2006-0205569, which is incorporated herein in itsentirety by reference; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/641,627,entitled “System for interaction with Exercise Device,” filed Aug. 18,2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,166,062, which is hereby incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety; U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/496,560, entitled “System and Method for Selective Adjustment ofExercise Apparatus,” filed on Feb. 2, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,447,424,which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference; and U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/349,608, entitled “Systems and Methodsfor Providing an Improved Exercise Device with MotivationalProgramming,” filed on Jul. 8, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,312,363, whichis hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Each of theforegoing patents and patent applications is hereby incorporated hereinin its entirety by reference.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

1. An exercise system that simulates a real world exercise route, theexercise system comprising: an exercise device comprising a movableelement that is movable during performance of exercise by a user and atleast one actuator that controls one or more operating parameters of theexercise device, the exercise device being receptive to exerciseprogramming, the exercise device uses the exercise programming tosubstantially simulate one or more aspects of the real world exerciseroute, the exercise programming including one or more control signalsrepresentative of changes to be made to the one or more operatingparameters to substantially simulate topographical characteristics ofthe real world exercise route and display programming including imagesof the real world exercise route, the changes to the one or moreoperating parameters corresponding to the one or more aspects of thereal world exercise route; a remote communication system thatcommunicates with a user of the exercise device to enable the user toselect a starting point and an ending point for the real world exerciseroute, wherein the remote communication system uses data relating to theone or more aspects of the real world exercise route to generate theexercise programming, the data being stored external to the remotecommunication system by at least one third party; and a network thatfacilitates communication of the exercise programming from the remotecommunication system to the exercise device.
 2. An exercise system asrecited in claim 1, wherein the control signals control the one or moreoperating parameters to substantially simulate topographicalcharacteristics of the real world exercise route.
 3. An exercise systemas recited in claim 2, wherein the control signals control the one ormore operating parameters while the user views the images provided bythe display programming on an exercise device display.
 4. An exercisesystem as recited in claim 1, wherein the exercise device communicateswith the network either directly or through a separate computer.
 5. Anexercise system as recited in claim 1, wherein the data used to generatethe exercise programming comprises map data, topographical data, videoor image data, or a combination thereof relating to the one or moreaspects of the real world exercise route.
 6. An exercise system asrecited in claim 1, wherein the exercise device is selected from thegroup consisting of a treadmill, an exercise cycle, a climber, a hiker,an elliptical, and a stepper.
 7. An exercise system as recited in claim1, wherein the communication system communicates with at least one thirdparty to obtain the data used to generate the exercise programming. 8.An exercise system as recited in claim 7, wherein the at least one thirdparty comprise a database or website.
 9. An exercise system thatsimulates a real world exercise route, the exercise system comprising:an exercise device comprising a movable element that is movable inperformance of exercise by a user, the exercise device having one ormore operating parameters that are controlled by user defined exerciseprogramming; a remote communication system that communicates with a userof the exercise device to enable the user to select a starting point andan ending point for a real world exercise route of the user definedexercise programming and generates the user defined exercise programmingthat includes one or more control signals representative of changes tobe made to the one or more operating parameters to substantiallysimulate topographical characteristics of the real world exercise route,and display programming including images of the real world exerciseroute, wherein the one or more control signals control the operatingparameters of the exercise device while the display programming ispresented to the user on an exercise device display, and wherein theremote communication system generates the exercise programming from datastored external to the remote communication system; and a network incommunication with the exercise device and the remote communicationsystem, the network communicating the exercise programming from theremote communication system to the exercise device.
 10. An exercisesystem as recited in claim 9, wherein the exercise device comprises atreadmill having a base frame, a treadbase mounted on the base frame,and an endless belt trained around the treadbase to enable the user toambulate thereon.
 11. An exercise system as recited in claim 10, whereinthe treadbase is pivotally mounted on the base frame so that thetreadbase can be selectively inclined or declined to simulate for theuser the experience of ambulating up and down hills of the real worldexercise route.
 12. An exercise system as recited in claim 9, whereinthe treadbase is pivotally mounted on the base frame so that thetreadbase can be selectively tilted from one side to the other side tosubstantially simulate for the user the experience of ambulating on anuneven surface of the real world exercise route.
 13. An exercise systemas recited in claim 9, wherein the data stored external to the remotecommunication system comprises data stored by at least one third party.14. An exercise system that simulates a remote, real world exerciseroute, the exercise system comprising: an exercise device comprising amovable element that is movable in performance of exercise by a user,the exercise device being receptive to control signals that adjust oneor more operating parameters associated with the movable element tosubstantially simulate topographical characteristics of the remote, realworld exercise route, while simultaneously presenting images of theremote, real world exercise route on an exercise device display; aremote communication system that communicates with a user of theexercise device to enable the user to select a starting point and anending point for the remote, real world exercise route, the remotecommunication system generates exercise programming and communicates theexercise programming to the exercise device, the remote communicationsystem uses data relating to the appearance and topographicalcharacteristics of the remote, real world exercise route to generate theexercise programming, the exercise programming including i) one or morecontrol signals that cause a change in the one or more operatingparameters to substantially simulate the topographical characteristicsof the remote, real world exercise route, and ii) display programmingincluding the images of the remote, real world exercise route presentedon the exercise device display; and at least one third party databaseexternal to the remote communication system, the at least one databasestoring the data used by the remote communication system to generate theexercise programming.
 15. An exercise system that simulates a remote,real world exercise route, the exercise system comprising: a network; anexercise device in communication with the network, the exercise devicebeing receptive to exercise programming that includes one or morecontrol signals representative of changes to be made to control one ormore selectively adjustable operating parameters of the exercise deviceto substantially simulate the remote, real world exercise route, anddisplay programming including images of the remote, real world exerciseroute; at least one external database in communication with the network,the at least one database storing data relating to one or morecharacteristics of the remote, real world exercise route; and a remotecommunication system that generates the exercise programming andcommunicates the exercise programming to the exercise device, the remotecommunication system allows a user of the exercise device to define atleast a starting point and an ending point for the remote, real worldexercise route, the remote communication system communicates with the atleast one database via the network to retrieve the data relating to theone or more characteristics of the remote, real world exercise route,the remote communication system uses the user defined remote, real worldexercise route and the data retrieved from the at least one database togenerate the exercise programming, wherein the at least one database isa third party database external to the remote communication system. 16.An exercise system as recited in claim 15, wherein the data stored bythe at least one database comprises map data, topographical data, imagedata, or a combination thereof relating to the remote, real worldexercise route.
 17. An exercise system as recited in claim 16, whereinthe remote communication system generates the one or more controlsignals for incorporation in the exercise programming, the one or morecontrol signals being generated based on the topographical dataretrieved from the at least one database.
 18. An exercise system asrecited in claim 17, wherein the remote communication system generatesthe display programming for incorporation in the exercise programming,the display programming including the image data retrieved from the atleast one database.
 19. An exercise system as recited in claim 15,wherein the at least one database is remote from the remotecommunication system.